Finding a job (or reliable
employees) can be tough, let’s face it. The good news? It doesn’t have to be.

With our program Launch Students into Business having
already taken off several months ago, the New Year promises to connect over 25
students with industry professionals in their field, building meaningful
relationships and valuable connections for Kelowna’s up-and-coming young
professionals.

With this network of connections
and their enhanced skill sets, we aim to provide these 3rd&4th
year students with the resources needed to plug themselves into the community,
enabling them to start their careers with confidence and ease.

So, this is a call to action. A call for those
who want to better themselves, or their organizations. We’re looking to take on
more students and connectors and are looking for individuals interested in
teaching workshops with us to further the students’ skill sets.

For professionals, this is your
chance to meet some of these soon to be grads first hand. To give them that
helping hand you would have appreciated starting out, and to get your business
in front of them, in an otherwise crowded market.

Students – this is an opportunity
for you to meet the people who will help you build your future. Why not get
your foot in the door?

We are after all types of
backgrounds: business, trades, arts, you name it. As BC’s 2nd largest chamber, we
have the member base to support all varieties of backgrounds and are eager to
do so.

These are tough times for commodities. Oil is grabbing
all the headlines, with prices plunging 50% since June
of last year. But agriculture prices are also soft,
especially corn, which is down 53%. Metal prices have
been weak for a while, particularly iron ore and
copper, which are 40% lower than where they were
two years ago. So is this the end of the commodity
supercycle? And, what does that mean for business?
A commodity supercycle is a period of unusually
strong industrial and urban development, where
demand for natural resources outstrips supply,
sustaining decades of high prices. Think of post World
War II or the industrialization of the United States.
There is strong evidence that we’ve been riding a
commodity supercycle. From the late 1990s to 2008,
almost all commodities were experiencing real price
growth rates exceeding 10% per year. Oil prices rose
1,062%, copper prices soared by 487% and corn prices
were up 240%1. The real price of food increased almost
80% to reach the highest levels in history. Commodity
prices crashed during the great recession of 2009 but
they recovered quickly and kept on climbing.
Why the soaring demand for commodities? During
this time period, there was an explosion in the size of
the middle class. According to the World Bank, the
emerging market middle class (people earning
between $2 and $13 per day) rose from 894 million in
1992 to 2.06 billion in 2005. It’s an incredible story:
more people were lifted out of poverty than at any
time in human history. And the first things people
want when they join the middle class are pretty simple:
better food, a nice home with a refrigerator and maybe
even a vehicle.
Look at the
adjacent graph of
car sales in China. Quite amazing,
but if we graphed
car sales in
Indonesia,
refrigerators in
South Africa or
home construction
in India, the
graphs would all look similar. All this requires
enormous natural resources. For decades, producers of
energy, metals and agriculture struggled because they
could barely keep up with demand.
Then in 2013, with record resource production,
demand growth suddenly began to slow and
commodity prices fell. So is the party over?
Emerging markets have slowed, but we have to look at
long-term prospects. The IMF is forecasting that
emerging Asia will average 6.5% growth through 2020;
Latin America and Africa will grow at 3.2% and 6%
respectively. The OECD is forecasting that the global
middle class will increase from 1.8 billion in 2009 to 3.2
billion in 2020. That’s a lot of new consumers and a lot
of commodities needed as people get wealthier.
So the commodity supercycle is not over, but when
demand depends so much on emerging market
strength, we have to anticipate volatility. Prices will
recover but not to the lofty heights of 2007. This is
good news for Canada because we have some of the
most efficient natural resource producers in the world.
Visit Powerofcanada.ca for more information.

February 16, 2015, marks the beginning of Chamber of Commerce Week in Kelowna, as officially proclaimed by Mayor Colin Basran, as well as across BC. Chamber week is an opportunity for Chambers of Commerce throughout British Columbia to showcase their work on behalf of business communities across the province.

This year, Chambers are celebrating the theme of "Leadership in Action" - a theme which highlights the leadership Chambers bring to their business communities, working hard to enhance B.C. as a business-friendly jurisdiction with strong opportunities for all British Columbians.

And this leadership delivers results. Following on B.C. Chambers' active advocacy, the federal and provincial governments working in partnership, were able to deliver a significant win for B.C.'s businesses: the launch of the Canada Job Grant in B.C.

Thanks to the hard work of Chambers in B.C., working closely with a responsive government, employers will be able to apply for up $10,000 in training funds. The Canada Job Grant, funded by the Government of Canada and administered by the Province of B.C., is an innovative cost-sharing program that helps employers offset the cost of training for new or current employees.

And that's just one of many positive changes that the Chamber network has led for B.C. businesses. Among many areas of impact, B.C.'s Chambers have been a key voice:

* encouraging balanced budgets at all levels of government;

* continuing to call for solutions to B.C.'s skills gap; and

* encouraging municipalities to actively support local economic development.

As members of the BC Chamber of Commerce, Chambers throughout the province are part of B.C.'s most extensive business policy development process. This process brings B.C. businesses' innovative ideas and on-the-ground insights to B.C.'s decision makers, and helps shape an ever more business-friendly province. Chamber network policies span from fiscal and tax policy to infrastructure to industry-specific issues.

At the local level, Chambers throughout B.C. are catalysts for change, bringing together business and community leaders to figure out how to take each community forward.

Here in Kelowna, the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce has been working with the Okanagan Water Basin Board. The Chamber developed a policy resolution that was taken successfully to the provincial and federal Chamber levels, calling for support in keeping invasive mussel species out of BC. The Federal Government acted swiftly to propose regulations to protect our fresh water lakes.

Taxation and equity for business played a role in the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce work relating to the Property Transfer Tax, asking that the Provincial Government increase the 1% PTT threshold from $200,000 to $525,000 with 2% applying to the remainder of the fair market value; and index the 1% PTT threshold of $525,000 using Statistics Canada's New Housing Price, and make adjustments annually.

Credit unions in the province are being impacted due to changes in the small business tax regulations, bringing the Chamber to recommend that the government extend the small business tax benefit permanently to credit unions to meet their unique needs with regulations and tax regimes that keep them strong and viable.

Another policy, developed collaboratively with the valley Chambers of Commerce relates to the call for the Provincial Government to sign an agreement to negotiate with the Government of Canada to conclude a fair and equitable feasibility process to determine the economic impact of a national park in the South Okanagan-Lower Similkameen.

So as B.C. celebrates Chamber Week, don't miss the opportunity to swing by the Kelowna Chamber for their open house on Monday from 4:30-6 pm, or register for one of the other Chamber Week events, at kelownachamber.org/events & join us in celebrating the leadership, energy and can-do attitude that B.C.'s Chambers bring to our communities.

Discounts & Benefits

Members, were you aware of the many rewards you receive? Click on the icons below to get started.
If you would like to capitalize on the great savings and reap the benefits below, please contact us to become a member!

Behind the Scenes

The Kelowna Chamber introduced “Behind the Scenes” in 2014 to give members another opportunity to showcase their place of business by hosting an event open to all members. As the host you are entitled to:

• Market the event to your existing clients and/or through print media;
• Chamber marketing of the event to our 1200 members, 2 – 3 weeks preceding the event which includes a dedicated webpage;
• Opportunity to showcase your company, services and/ or products;
• Opportunity to provide tours to guests;
• A copy of the business cards collected at the event.

Click the icon to the right to download more information and to submit your application.

Business Smarts Seminars

Business Smarts is a Chamber Member networking and learning opportunity which is a series of seminars offered to Chambers members, presented by fellow Chamber members.

Held once per month (morning from 8 – 9 am or from noon-1pm), this seminar series is set in our boardroom with group sizes from 5-20, and hosts various presenters on topics ranging from marketing, tax tips, business plan updates, social media made simple, how to network, and more.

Small group size encourages networking and allows for great discussion. For more information or to apply to be a presenter, click the icon to the right. To attend, check out our events page.

Captial News Advertising

New members of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce are entitled to one free 1/4 page ad valued at $605.00. Offer must be redeemed within 6 months of joining.
Current Kelowna Chamber members receive one free ad up to and including a ½ page ad with colour, valued up to $1600.00 with the purchase of an ad of the same value. Offer expires November 30, 2015.

Car Rental Discounts

Chamber members can now receive car rental discounts in Canada and around the world for unlimited business and leisure travel.

The BC Chamber of Commerce member car rental discount program is provided for the exclusive access of our members and their employees, friends and family.

Savings may exceed 50%, and average 10-20% below market rates.

Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan

Covers all industries including one person firms, home business and farms

Chamber of Commerce Learning Network

When was the last time you invested in you?

Chamber Learning Network™ offers small and medium sized organizations over 4000 high-quality elearning courses and over 1000 online instructional videos from many of the top content producers in the industry.

The courses cover a wide range of topics like business and professional skills training, computer skills training, leadership and management training, new manager training, workplace health and safety training, industry specific training courses, and sales training.

The Chamber has negotiated a significant discount (20%) on all training for members.

Click herefor more information or call 1-877-622-7442 for a catalogue of courses.

for more information or call 1-877-622-7442 for a catalogue of courses.

Community Connection

The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce is pleased to continue with the “Community Connection” project to showcase a non-profit organization at our monthly luncheons with a table provided for promotional materials and an introduction with a brief overview of your NFP by our Chairperson. Apply by clicking the icon to the right.

Competitactics Mystery Shopper Program

Competitactics is an agile consulting firm that specializes in giving organizations the edge they need to compete. Areas of expertise include customer satisfaction measurement, competitive intelligence, mystery shops, market segmentation and strategic planning.

Participation in the Mystery Shopper program is open to retailers, restauranteurs, hoteliers and other service providers who are members of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce.

Constant Contact Communication Tool

Constant Contact uses fully customizable templates for newsletter, announcements, events and surveys. It is an email marketing and survey tool which allows you to track information about who is reading your releases, and also what links are followed.

Business members receive a 20% discount for 6 months, or 25% for 12 months.

Call 1-800-221-2793 to get set-up.

Esso Imperial Oil

The BC Chamber of Commerce and Imperial Oil are pleased to offer the Esso Direct DriverBilling Program to all members, which offers a preferred 3.5 cent per litre discount off of fuel purchased at any Esso-branded service station, including marine fuel!

First Data Payment Processing

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and First Data, a leader in the electronic payment processing industry, have partnered to bring you exclusive benefits to help grow your business. Together we are ready to help you with preferred pricing and products for merchant services tailored to suit your needs.

Hotel Discounts

Chamber members can receive hotel discounts in Canada and around the world for unlimited business and leisure travel.

The BC Chamber of Commerce member hotel discount program is provided for the exclusive access of our members and their employees, friends and family.

Savings may exceed 50%, and average 10-20% below market rates.

Username and Password is BCCC.
1-800-892-2136 code is BCCC.

Payworks Payroll Program

Basic Run Charge of $16.50 & one-time fee $150

Integration with Chamber Group Plan

Yearend tax filing/T4’s.

$1.35 per Direct Deposit or Cheques

"Go Green" Initiative: 15% discount off Basic Run Charge and Per Employee payment (Must use Web product and have no delivery)

Petro Canada Superpass

2 cents per litre off all grades of gasoline & diesel (mimimum of 200 litres/month)

5% discount on all parts and labour at Centigard Car Care Centres

Individually numbered credit card for each vehicle

Ribbon Cutting

The ceremonial opening of a new or recently renovated/relocated business can be performed by a Chamber Representative and promoted in our publications.

Staples Advantage

As the Business to Business division of Staples, Staples Advantage works with companies of 20+ employees to develop customized programs, dedicated account management, and a complete assortment of products and services to meet business needs.

Travel & Learn Program

The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce introduced the “Travel & Learn Program” in 2013.

The program is aimed at Chamber members and non-members in the Okanagan community. In partnership with its member travel agencies, and its member educational institutions, the Chamber is able to provide an enriched travel and educational experience.

UPS Shipping

Chamber members, take advantage of the UPS Members Benefit Program and save on a variety of UPS services! You’ll receive 30% off small package shipments within Canada, to the U.S. and to worldwide destinations, 25% off imports into Canada, discounts starting at 75% off freight shipments and more. Plus, UPS is committed to providing value that goes beyond cost and on-time delivery. Customized solutions and reliable services drive greater efficiency and streamline internal processes. New and existing customers can enroll for free! To get started today, visit

VersaPay

The British Columbia Chamber of Commerce in partnership with VersaPay is pleased to announce some exciting changes to our current VersaPay program. This program offers new highly competitive Credit Card processing rates along with a new feature for our members called the VersaPay Platform.